>> You know what happens when I get back from another infinitely inspiring trip from Tokyo? I annoyingly bang on about all the inspiring things I saw in Tokyo. It's an affliction that will infect the blog at least twice a year as I'm sticking to my stringent schedule of biannual trips to the city. You'll be seeing more of that over the next few weeks as I offload all the things that came back with me in my suitcase. A trip to Tokyo isn't complete without at least one or two things that are Comme des Gar√ßons-related. Despite its international outposts, Tokyo is without a doubt CdG's epicentre. It's also the city where one can find a mind bogglingly abundance of Comme product, both new and old. I have a difficult time keeping track with all the lines that exist but a quick look around the Comme store in Aoyama keeps me in check. Root around the designer consignment stores and vintage stores and you'll find bits from discontinued lines such as Junya Watanabe's Man Pink or Robe de Chambre.

At the top of my priority search mission on every Tokyo excusion, finding old pieces by Tao Kurihara, whose solo collection ceased in 2011, is always a joy. However failing that, the second best thing is of course finding pieces from the Tricot Comme des Gar√ßons LINE, designed by Kurihara to this present day. A quick look at the new S/S 13 Tricot collection below (presented solely in Tokyo as it's mostly sold in Japan) and it's clear that those Tao-isms that I loved so much when she had her own line are still very much present – expert smocking, girlish patchworking, maximising the simplicity of shirting and denim fabrics. Kurihara's work at Tricot represents the more overtly feminine and dare I say slightly more wearable offerings to the Comme empire (with the exception of the Comme PLAY tees and the like). I'll keep on doing obsessive eBay/consignment store Tao searches but for now, Tricot plugs the gap quite nicely and even better when it's possible to see the full Tricot range and not just the stray few pieces that make it outside of Japan.

This is my latest Tricot find from the ever-trusty Rag Tag in Harajuku which is about as Tao as it comes, complete with crino tulle, crochet knit and unabashed girliness. The Tao-tell signs are all there…

Comments (10)

I get the exact same feeling when I come back from my bi-annual buying trip to Seoul…Only been once to Tokyo, but will probably be going more and more next year, let’s see if I get the same feeling! I wonder what it is about certain cities that make us feel that way. I feel that way about Berlin too.
Elisa – Wandering Minds
ourwanderingminds.com

I have been there once and yes, there is nothing like it. So much inspiration in the streets and the amazing shops. And I love the culture there. The people are wonderful and so polite. (not like in NYC where I live and am from, although I am : ). This post pulled at my heartstrings, as I love Tao’s work and was so sad when her namesake line stopped. I too look for tricot all over the place. Luckily, I think that we are of different sizes : ) . Did you ever think of organizing a shopping trip to Tokyo? I would definitely sign up!